Leica Combines Both Old And New In M10-D

The more analog elements of the new Leica M10-D are all external, starting with replacing the monitor screen with a large dial for setting exposure compensation (similar to the M9-based M-D). This control also serves as the camera’s power switch and the WiFi mode selector. More interesting is the provision of a swing-out thumbrest which looks very much like a film advance lever. Otherwise, the M10-D has just a smattering of external controls – two dials for setting the shutter speeds and ISO values, an input wheel and a couple of function buttons.

Photo: Leica

However, the M10-D’s built-in WiFi enables image review to be performed via a paired smartphone or tablet running Leica’s new FOTOS app. This also allows for remote control of the camera and the setting of other key capture functions such as the file format (JPEG or Adobe DNG RAW) and white balance.

Photo: Leica

Like the M10-P announced recently, the M10-D goes without the distinctive Leica ‘red dot’ logo on its front panel, and has the classic “Leica” branding script in white on the top plate.

On the inside, the M10-D is the same as the other M10 variants with a full-35mm format CMOS sensor with 24 megapixels (effective) resolution and mated to Leica’s ‘Maestro II’ processor. It has a 2.0 GB buffer memory and a single memory card slot for SD format devices (up to 2.0 TB SDXC). The sensitivity range is equivalent to ISO 100 to 50,000, and continuous shooting is possible at up to 5.0 fps. The bodyshell comprises a diecast magnesium alloy chassis with brass top and bottom plates. The viewfinder is, of course, optical with brightline image frames and automatic parallax correction.

The Leica M10-D is available now from the Leica Store in Sydney, priced at $11,950 for the camera body only. For more information visit https://au.leica-camera.com

There’s an exciting new world of fascinating subjects just waiting to be explored with close-up photography and, in this issue of Camera, there’s a comprehensive introduction to the equipment and techniques needed to get started in macrophotography. We also have comprehensive tests of Olympus’s new E-M1X high-speed mirrorless camera, Nikon’s Z6 and the most affordable digital medium format camera currently on the market, the Fujifilm GFX 50R. And for lovers of “must do” lists, we’ve put together the 20 classic cameras we think every photo enthusiast just has to own before they die. ON SALE NOW - digital issue available here

Like the idea of making some extra money from your camera gear when you’re not using it? Canon Australia has launched a program called Kyōyū – the Japanese word for share – to create an online community of potential renters and providers.

Leica’s popular fixed-lens full-35mm format Q model has been significantly updated in the new Q2 with a much higher resolution sensor, faster processor, new OLED-type viewfinder, fully weather-proofed body and 4K video recording, including C4K.

Lens maker Sigma has begun fleshing out its participation in the L-Mount Alliance, of which it is a member along with Leica and Panasonic. Sigma’s announcement is no doubt timed to coincide with the arrival of Panasonics first L-Mount Lumix S bodies.